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adventurous
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.75🌟 again, this was a good story but i had high expectations after what ive heard about this series and it didnt live up to them unfortunately! i will be continuing because its entertaining and an easy fantasy read and i want to see the romance play out (if it turns out to be mfm then like the theories ive seen then.... say sike🤐) it reminds me of zodiac academy which is half a good thing half a bad thing
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Death
Minor: Suicide, Death of parent
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The first thing to be said about this book is that it has some issues, so I will address the negatives first.
The main thing that was missing is a good editor. I could not believe some of the errors that crept into the text that should have been corrected before this came to print. For example: The use of the expression “you’ve got another thing coming” ❌ the correct term is “another think coming”.!!! Another was the use of the term calvary instead of cavalry when talking about the need for reinforcements. These were the two that stood out but OMG, for some reason, these improper usages really annoyed me and should have been caught and corrected by someone with an editorial background.
Most of the other problems I had with this volume are the same as with book one, namely anachronistic details that seem to clash with the overall world building and a jarring effect of contrived story lines. There were also parts that read as Harry Potter fan fiction but, at least she used good source material to work from.
However, there were things that I would add to the plus column. IMHO, the author did a good job with the characters from the MCs to the secondaries. Their interactions and dialogue made for a fun read that helped to overcome some of the negatives. I have to say, I loved Visha’s sharpness, wit and in your face statements. For example, at one point she says to Blake, “Then why have you been acting like a fucking pussy? An expression I obviously hate using since my pussy is stronger than your dick any day of the week, but hey, if the expression fits.” I will admit this had me laughing out loud for its boldness and truth. Then there are others like Orcade (loved her but still mystified why her presence and link to Medra’s backstory have yet to be explored and we’re already on book 2…), Florence (every FMC needs a bestie and she’s also this world’s Hermione), Theo (more of him in the future please) and, of course, Neville, the fluffin (definitely a favourite - totally original, cute, adds light humour and has a bigger part to play). And then, of course, there is the snarky dragon for those of you that are sufffering from an Onyx Storm hangover.
Another good point was the development of the political intrigue plot-line and jostling for power which became more complex and mysterious and therefore more interesting for me as a reader. And then, of course, the mix of tension/spice plus the action with the addition of a dragon made this second volume more engaging than the first. There were some plot twists (kudos to the author) which I sort of saw coming and others that I didn’t and then there are also some - no spoilers, you will have to read the book to find out. 😉
As to the sensual tension and relationship between Medra and Blake, there is enough spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ to satisfy the prurient parts of you but well done enough that they don’t overwhelm the plot but support it. This is still an enemies to lovers though the “touch her and die vibes” have been somewhat toned down and the characters do develop emotionally which was really nice to see. The dark nature of the story, which is to be expected from any story that includes vampires, is still present — so expect your spice to include blood🩸🩸🩸.
For me, there were too many small things that I just couldn’t get past to give it a higher rating. As before, this series is a question of taste and mood. But I still want to know what happens next and will be continuing the series when the next book is released. Fingers crossed for some better editing that could potentially transform this book (and series) from OK to mind blowing.
3.75 stars 🤓📚
#OnWingsOfBlood @BriarBoleynAuthor
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#romantasy #romance #adventure #fiction #action #darkromance #vampires #fae
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Blood
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
OMG OMG OMG, the last 100 pages locked me in! I need the next book like yesterday. I want more, I need to know what happens next. The first book piqued my interest, this one LOCKED ME IN. I absolutely loved it. I started this book hating Blake and thinking I could never forgive him as things went on but I’m glad he’s surprised me. THE ENDING?? Jesus, so many unexpected twists!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's been almost a day and I still haven't recovered from the end of this book. I don't know if I will any time soon or until I get my hands on book three. I was expecting everything dialed up from book one, but I think Briar Boleyn may have broken the dials. This was a 6-star read for me so could book three be my first 7-star read this year?
Nyxaris’s roar would seem like nothing compared to mine when I was through with Blake-fucking-Drakharrow.
I spent the first half of the book wanting to throw my kindle at the wall because Blake is thicker than my walls and that still may be understating it. He decides to double down on all his wrong choices and I wondered if we would ever get back to the romance part of this bully romance. At one point, I may have even considered being a traitor and rooting for Medra x Kage, but I stayed true to the end. If I were Medra, I probably would have just fucked around and found out with Kage regardless after some of the things she said to Blake. I would be lying if I denied I cried like a big baby quite a few times and the longest at the end, so you have been warned. This book toys with your emotions and makes you realize book one was just the foreplay. The spice was beautiful, intimate and everything I wanted from this novel. There might be a Visha line that will rent-free in my mind for far too long, and you are free to guess which one it is as I will not be repeating it. Enjoy an excerpt I loved instead.
The warmth of his hand was jarring. His thumb brushed against my pulse and for a moment, I felt my treacherous heart stutter. “This would be easier,” he said, leaning towards me, his voice low. “If you’d stop pretending you hate it.”
Briar continues to build upon this beautiful rich world and bless us with characters I can't help to love or despise with every inch of my being. The character growth is huge for everyone (except those damn mean girls iykyk.) The relationship between Medra and Florence is so damn beautiful and strong and I always love seeing strong female friendships, especially when they have such different strengths that compliment each other. I loved learning more about the four great houses and their important characters. These are the small details I live for. The difficult relationship between Medra and Nyxaris was so enjoyable to read because you really never knew what was going to happen next, and it was unique and full of many emotions. I cannot wait for book three and part of me doesn't want it to end, ever.
He suddenly pushed his chest up against mine, shoving me backwards. His breath was hot against my ear. “Why don’t you just fall in line, like a good little girl?”
🩸 Dark academia
🖤 Dual POV
🩸 Found family
🖤 Unlikely allies
🩸 Dangerous secrets
🖤 Forced betrothal
🩸 Villain gets the girl
🖤 Rival houses
“Mine,” I whispered, the word slipping out before I could stop it.
Thank you Starwater Press via Netgalley for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's been almost a day and I still haven't recovered from the end of this book. I don't know if I will any time soon or until I get my hands on book three. I was expecting everything dialed up from book one, but I think Briar Boleyn may have broken the dials. This was a 6-star read for me so could book three be my first 7-star read this year?
Nyxaris’s roar would seem like nothing compared to mine when I was through with Blake-fucking-Drakharrow.
I spent the first half of the book wanting to throw my kindle at the wall because Blake is thicker than my walls and that still may be understating it. He decides to double down on all his wrong choices and I wondered if we would ever get back to the romance part of this bully romance. At one point, I may have even considered being a traitor and rooting for Medra x Kage, but I stayed true to the end. If I were Medra, I probably would have just fucked around and found out with Kage regardless after some of the things she said to Blake. I would be lying if I denied I cried like a big baby quite a few times and the longest at the end, so you have been warned. This book toys with your emotions and makes you realize book one was just the foreplay. The spice was beautiful, intimate and everything I wanted from this novel. There might be a Visha line that will rent-free in my mind for far too long, and you are free to guess which one it is as I will not be repeating it. Enjoy an excerpt I loved instead.
The warmth of his hand was jarring. His thumb brushed against my pulse and for a moment, I felt my treacherous heart stutter. “This would be easier,” he said, leaning towards me, his voice low. “If you’d stop pretending you hate it.”
Briar continues to build upon this beautiful rich world and bless us with characters I can't help to love or despise with every inch of my being. The character growth is huge for everyone (except those damn mean girls iykyk.) The relationship between Medra and Florence is so damn beautiful and strong and I always love seeing strong female friendships, especially when they have such different strengths that compliment each other. I loved learning more about the four great houses and their important characters. These are the small details I live for. The difficult relationship between Medra and Nyxaris was so enjoyable to read because you really never knew what was going to happen next, and it was unique and full of many emotions. I cannot wait for book three and part of me doesn't want it to end, ever.
He suddenly pushed his chest up against mine, shoving me backwards. His breath was hot against my ear. “Why don’t you just fall in line, like a good little girl?”
🩸 Dark academia
🖤 Dual POV
🩸 Found family
🖤 Unlikely allies
🩸 Dangerous secrets
🖤 Forced betrothal
🩸 Villain gets the girl
🖤 Rival houses
“Mine,” I whispered, the word slipping out before I could stop it.
Thank you Starwater Press via Netgalley for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Violence
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide